Janet Goff & Birth Connection Delivering Midwifery to Greenwood By Carol A. Ryall // Photo By Abby Funderburk Photography
The oldest of three girls, Janet Goff was born in Greenville, SC but moved to Greenwood when she was four. “This friendly, small town is home to me,” she says. Married to Tripp Goff for 23 years, they have two sons, a daughter-in-law, a one-year-old granddaughter (and a five-year-old yellow Lab named Hoss.) In her spare time, Janet enjoys spending time with her family, running and fishing. Janet attends New Covenant Church, and is also an active supporter of “A Place for Us” and Breast Cancer Awareness programs. After graduating from Greenville Technical College in 1999 with an Associates’ Degree in Nursing, Janet spent fifteen years working as a Registered Nurse in the Women’s Center at Self Regional Healthcare. She related, “I worked most of that time in Labor and Delivery, but I’ve also worked in Pediatrics, NICU, and Home Health for pregnant women.” After deciding to further her education, in 2010 Janet graduated from Lander University with a Bachelor in Science of Nursing and from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 with a Master in Science of Nursing with a focus in Midwifery. “In South Carolina, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) must have a Master’s Degree in nursing and must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing. I am also a CAPPA certified Childbirth Educator and have a special interest in education and anticipatory guidance during pregnancy. I’ve functioned in a variety of women’s health settings such as home health, hospitals, and birthing centers,” Janet observed. In 2013, Ms. Goff opened Birth Connection, a private practice offering hospital deliveries at Self Regional Healthcare whether you want an all-natural birth or
medication option. “Nurse midwives provide loving and expert care through touch and low technology during this most vulnerable time in the life of a woman and her family. Nurse midwives offer clients additional education, preparation and emotional support to ensure they feel supported and prepared for their role as parents. As your nurse midwife,” Janet explained, “I will listen to your concerns and help alleviate your fears, so when your baby arrives you feel prepared for your changing role from couple to family while providing a safe environment.” “Every birth is special to me, “Janet continued. “It is an honor when a woman and her family allow me to “catch her baby” and to be a part of their very special day!” The only Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Greenwood, Janet Goff works with Dr. Michael Gentry, so you receive the benefits of midwifery care with the support of an obstetrician if complications should arise during the pregnancy or delivery. Midwifery services are also offered in collaboration with any other obstetrician by referral. Self Regional Women’s Center is the delivering facility, with an excellent staff, 18 birthing suites, newborn nursery, two surgical suites for
Cesarean births, 24 hour Anesthesia and level III Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit. With a nurse-midwife delivery there you can have: • A natural birth • Freedom to walk while in labor • Little to no continuous fetal monitoring for low risk women • Breastfeeding and bonding support at birth • Skin to Skin contact • Shower during labor and after delivery • Active participation in decision making • Treatment for pain, if preferred or requested According to the American College of Nurse Midwives, in 2011 over 300,000 births were attended by nurse midwives. Birth Connection is currently accepting new patients. As a CNM/Nurse Practitioner, Ms. Goff also offers annual exams, primary care, and sees patients with gynecological problems at Birth Connection. Nurse-midwifery services are covered under most health insurance plans. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a midwife, call Birth Connection at (864) 538-6565. They’re located at 104 Venture Court, Greenwood, SC. www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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